Optimizing clinical environments for knowledge translation: strategies for nursing leaders

• Author(s) / Creator(s)

  • Scott, Shannon D.
  • VandenBeld, Brenda
  • Cummings, Greta G.

• Using findings from our recent study that found that a context of uncertainty in the work environment hindered nurses' research utilization, we suggest strategies for nurse managers and leaders to optimize clinical environments and support efforts to put research into clinical practice (knowledge translation). Two important sources of uncertainty were the complexity of teamwork and inconsistency in management and leadership styles. To reduce the uncertainty arising from teamwork, we propose (a) clarifying nurses' scopes of practice, (b) increasing knowledge sharing through supporting journal clubs and enhanced computer access and (c) creating safe venues for multidisciplinary dialogue. To reduce uncertainty arising from variations in management and leadership, we propose (a) developing policies that enhance the consistency of leadership and clarify the strategic direction of the management team, (b) clearly communicating those policies to nurses and (c) providing explicit rationales for treatment changes. Small, incremental steps can be taken to realize substantive changes in clinical environments in order to optimize nursing work environments for knowledge translation.

• Date created

  2011

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Nurse leaders
  • Work environment
  • Knowledge translation
  • Research utilization

• Type of Item

  Research Material

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3HM52R66

• License

  © 2011 Shannon Scott, Brenda VandenBeld & Greta Cummings. This version of this article is open access and can be downloaded and shared. The original authors and source must be cited.